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Updated: Aug 26, 2025

A Sensitive Visual Method for the Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide Producing Bacteria
Published on: June 27, 2022
The antioxidant and oxidant properties of hydropersulfides (RSSH) and polysulfide species
Christopher H Switzer1, Jon M Fukuto2
1William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
Abstract:
It has become apparent that hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydropersulfides (RSSH) and other polysulfide species are all intimately linked biochemically. Indeed, at least some of the biological activity attributed to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) may actually be due to its conversion to RSSH and derived polysulfur species (and vice-versa). The unique chemistry associated with the hydropersulfide functional group (-SSH) predicts that it possesses possible protective properties that can help a cell contend with oxidative and/or electrophilic stress. However, since RSSH and polysulfides possess chemical properties akin to disulfides (RSSR), they can also be sources of oxidative/electrophilic stress/signaling as well. Herein are discussed the unique chemistry, possible biochemistry and the physiological implications of RSSH (and polysulfides), especially as it pertains to their putative cellular protection properties against a variety of stresses and/or as possible stressors/signaling agents themselves.
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